In today’s Gospel reading, we read about Jesus feeding the multitude by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples believed what they had on hand was insufficient but Jesus performed a miracle, multiplying the bread and fish to feed everyone. I experienced a similar miracle in the rooms of recovery. When I entered, broken and desperate, I expected to be told how to stop drinking. In other words, I expected the solution to be insufficient. Instead, I heard testimonies of experience, strength, and hope as well as how people in the program lived a blessed sober life. Through the words and actions of my fellow members and the Twelve Steps, Jesus began to feed the hunger in my soul, miraculously satisfying my hungry heart.

Today’s Gospel Acclamation reads, “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” This is true, and once I turned my life over to God my need for drugs and alcohol diminished. My spiritual nourishment came from God’s Word, others’ testimonies, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the principles of AA. Every aspect of my life began to change. I started to resist temptations in certain areas of my life, became present to my family, enjoyed my ministry and work, and focused on the blessings God has given me. What once seemed insufficient and “not enough” became more than enough, as Jesus provided for my mind, body, and soul—just as He will for all of us who surrender to His will and trust in Him to feed our hungry souls.

Reflection Questions

• What did you previously use to fill the void in your soul before coming into recovery? How have you found true fulfillment through your recovery and faith?
• How have you come to enjoy the blessings from God that once seemed to you to be “not enough”?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-178
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21 

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.